New to blogging with questions

Hi,

I'm new to BlogHer and new to blogging. The blog I'm setting up is a wordpress blog, since this is my first time I'm going with the free site. I have a few questions because I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and it seems I'm having many "duh" moments in trying to put together my blog.

The first question I have is in regards to my choice in blog hosting. I'm not sure if I'm making the right decision in using the free Wordpress site. I'm not sure I want Google AdSense ads, I've read about other ad services that are more interesting to me. Since this is a food blog, one of my goals is to be a member of the Foodie Blogroll and display their ad and links to other food blogs. I'd like to display BlogHer ads and I need an Amazon store. Will I be able to have all those things with the free Wordpress site? Or, am I better off just biting the bullet and using the paid site?

Any advice, suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Debra